The Sporting News team's thoughts on the BCS title game featuring Alabama vs. Notre Dame:

Garry D. Howard, editor-in-chief: “Alabama 31, Notre Dame 20. The hardest-hitting defense coupled with the best coach equals a compelling victory and the third national title in four years for the Tide.”

Roger Kuznia, college football digital editor: “Notre Dame 21, Alabama 17. Everett Golson has grown as a passer in his first season as starter, and his mobility, combined with the Irish's defense, will be the difference.”

Steve Greenberg, college football writer: “Alabama 24, Notre Dame 17. This is a much fairer fight than the point spread indicates, but I keep going back to last year's title game, when the Tide completely surprised LSU with their offensive game plan and confused LSU with their defense.”

Matt Hayes, college football writer: “Alabama 27, Notre Dame 16. I've been trying to convince myself Notre Dame can win; trying to find a way to look all smart and declare an upset is coming. It's just not. The Irish have one advantage: us-against-the-world mentality. How many times does that win big games?”

Rana L. Cash, senior college football editor: “Alabama 24, Notre Dame 21. All season long, Alabama looked like world-beaters. Then came one fateful night against Texas A&M. Notre Dame won 'em all, but there were no beatdowns like the ones the Tide have delivered.”

Bob Hille, deputy editor: “Notre Dame 24, Alabama 17. We're programmed to think Bama is unbeatable, but the Tide have shown a susceptibility to mistakes at crucial times. It's just been that the opposition hasn't been able to leverage them. The Irish are good enough to do just that.”